Voices of the Manoir - Veronica Mair: A Life Filled with Love, Laughter, and Resilience

Sep 5

2 min read

To age gracefully, maintain a wonderful sense of humour, and continue to shine at ninety-six is truly a blessing. Veronica Mair, a resident of the Manoir, is an inspiration—a true celebration of life and resilience, especially while living with a degenerative disease.

When I met Veronica, I was immediately struck by her positive energy, quick wit, warmth, and lively presence. As she shared her story, I was delighted to hear about the many happy memories of her life with her late husband, George Ross Mair. Their life together was filled with laughter, mutual support, and deep respect.

Veronica and George had four children: three sons and a daughter, whom they sadly lost to cancer at a young age. As she spoke about George, Veronica recalled a humble man with no ego—a rare quality, she said. He was generous, stylish, and loved buying her beautiful clothes to match his own elegant wardrobe.

George was a Scottish piper, an artist, and a successful entrepreneur. He founded Mair Clutch & Brakes Inc., a historic Quebec company specializing in heavy-duty automotive and commercial truck services. The business grew significantly after the opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway, when large trucks began coming through the area for service.

George came from a very traditional Scottish Presbyterian family. Ironically, they were concerned that Veronica was Catholic. Veronica’s own parents, who were of Irish and British backgrounds, were more open-minded about religion. When Veronica’s sister decided to marry a man from Jamaica—a fairly uncommon choice at the time—her father simply told her mother that their daughter was free to choose whom she wanted to marry.

Veronica and George’s first home was a farmhouse on Harwood Road, built in 1810. Cats wandered around the barn, and there were horses for riding—an experience that may help explain why their son Glenn became such a skilled rider.

George died of cancer in 2001 after being exposed to asbestos. Veronica was seventy-one at the time. After spending twenty years living in Guelph, Ontario, she returned to Hudson and moved to the Manoir six years ago.

Veronica credits her parents for showing her what a happy marriage could be. Following their example, she and George built what she describes as a true love story—one that was so evident even their grandchildren noticed it. Together, they had eleven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, all of whom remain very close to Veronica.

She proudly told me that her son Glenn, who now lives in Thailand, video calls her every week. He had a challenging life in Afghanistan while working as a mechanical engineer. Veronica speaks with great pride about all her sons and grandchildren.

When I asked Veronica what she sees in her future, she smiled and replied, “Heaven.”

Veronica is a true people person. She likes everyone and makes an effort to find the good in each person without judgment. At the Manoir, she started Friday-night pub gatherings as a way for residents to socialize, spend time with friends, and make life a little more enjoyable for everyone.

At ninety-six, Veronica continues to bring warmth, humour, and light wherever she goes.